Ring Bearer: Whose Rings Do They Carry?

It is not necessary to have a ring bearer at your wedding, but if you do, they will usually be a child aged between three and eight years old, and will carry the couple's wedding rings down the aisle. In most cases, the rings are fake, or the bearer carries an empty ring pillow, as it is usually the best man who holds the real rings. However, the maid of honour can also hold the groom's ring, or both rings can be given to the officiant before the ceremony.

The best man traditionally holds both rings

While there are no specific rules dictating who holds the wedding rings, tradition states that the best man typically holds both the bride and groom's rings. This is because the Maid of Honour is usually holding the bridal bouquet, her own bouquet, and likely has no pockets.

If you are having a ring bearer, they will walk forward with a ring pillow, but they will not be carrying the real rings. Instead, they will hold a pillow with fake rings or no rings at all. This is to prevent the rings from being lost or damaged.

If you don't have a ring bearer, you can get creative with who holds the rings. Some couples choose to have the Maid of Honour hold the groom's ring, while others opt for a close family member, like parents or siblings, to hold the rings. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide who they trust to carry out this important task.

The maid of honour can hold the groom's ring

While the best man traditionally holds the wedding rings, there are no specific rules about who holds the rings during the ceremony. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide who they trust to carry out this important task.

The maid of honour is usually the bride's best friend or a close family member, and she plays a crucial role in supporting the bride. The maid of honour's responsibilities include planning the bachelorette party, ensuring the bridesmaids' dresses are ordered on time, acting as a point of contact for guests, and giving a speech at the reception. She also walks down the aisle before the bride and arranges the bride's train and veil at the altar.

If the couple chooses to have a ring bearer, it is still a good idea to have the best man or maid of honour hold the actual wedding rings. The ring bearer, who is usually a child, can carry a pillow or ring box with fake rings, ensuring that the real rings are safe and secure.

The couple may also want to consider having the officiant hold the rings. As the officiant will be presiding over the ceremony, this can ensure a seamless transition when the time comes to exchange vows.

The ring bearer carries fake rings or an empty box

It is not uncommon for the ring bearer to carry fake rings or an empty box during the wedding ceremony. This is because the real rings are often kept with the best man or the maid of honour, who are considered more reliable. The ring bearer is usually a young child, typically between the ages of three and eight, and as such, there is a risk that they may drop or lose the rings.

Couples may also choose to use decoy rings as a precaution in case the rings are dropped or lost, so that the ring bearer does not have to dig around in the grass or sand, leaves or dirt to find them, and to ensure that the rings can be retrieved quickly when it is time to exchange vows. Fake rings can be easily purchased, and no one will be able to tell the difference.

In addition, the ring bearer's pillow can be reimagined in a number of creative ways, such as using a briefcase, a bouquet of flowers, or a sign with a funny message.

The officiant can hold the rings

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of who holds the rings during a wedding ceremony, the officiant is a common choice. Given that they'll be presiding over the ceremony, having them keep the rings safe would make for a seamless transition from their statements to the moment the couple begins their vows.

If you're planning on having the officiant hold the rings, it's a good idea to check with them beforehand to see if they're comfortable doing so and to discuss the logistics of how the rings will be handed over. You can provide the rings to the officiant in a ring box or a small pouch, whichever you prefer.

It's worth noting that some officiants may not be comfortable holding the rings, so it's important to have a backup plan in place. Additionally, if you're having a ring bearer, they can pass the rings to the officiant, who will keep them safe until the ring exchange.

When deciding who will hold the rings, it's essential to choose someone responsible and comfortable in front of a crowd. Ultimately, the decision is up to the couple, and there are several options to consider, including the best man, maid of honour, or a close family member.

Rings can be tied to a ribbon on a pillow

If you're worried about your ring bearer losing the rings, or they are too young to be trusted with the responsibility, there are a few options to consider. You could have the ring bearer carry a pillow with fake rings tied to a ribbon, or no rings at all. This way, they still get to be involved in the ceremony, but the real rings are kept safe.

One source suggests that the best man traditionally holds the rings, and this is backed up by several other sources. The best man can keep the rings in his pocket, so it's a safe option. The maid of honour could also hold the rings, but this may be less practical if she is holding a bouquet.

If you don't want to give the rings to a member of the wedding party, you could ask the officiant to hold them. This would ensure a seamless transition during the ceremony. Another option is to give the rings to a close family member to look after.

There are also a few creative alternatives to the ring pillow that you could consider. These include a small box, a pouch, or even a ring dish.

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